Counterfeit goods bear marks, logos and designs that are trade marks registered by the owner which cannot be used without their authority. In Dorset we regularly seize items that are for sale at car boot sales, markets, via the internet and occasionally other outlets. This is often followed by formal action.

For local retailers and market stall holders the sale of counterfeit goods undermines the sales of genuine products and creates unfair competition. High street retailers of DVDs, computer games and compact discs are particularly at risk of losing business.

There are some instances where it is obvious that the items are fake, such as many DVDs. In many cases you would be risking wasting your cash on poor quality copies. You would be contributing to illegal trade and helping to line the pockets of those evading taxes. You may also be funding more serious criminal activity as evidence shows that major criminals regularly trade in fakes. The profits from selling fake goods have been linked to organised crime, including terrorism. A stall at a local car boot sale or market may just be the bottom end of a pyramid of criminal activity.

We try to identify manufacturers or importers where possible, but most people who are caught selling counterfeit goods cannot or will not tell us where they get the items from. They face prosecution for their part in the fraud and their lack of co-operation.

If you have spotted counterfeit goods on sale, please report it to Consumer Direct.

• Name: Consumer Adviser
  Email: enquiries@consumerdirect-southwest.gov.uk
  Tel: 08454 04 05 06
  Full details for Consumer Adviser